Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA45 AMG tip-toes around production status
Thu, 21 Nov 2013
Here is the Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA45 AMG in the flesh. The racing liveried crossover is a near-production-ready preview of what the hotted-up version of Mercedes-Benz's new small CUV will be like when it finally arrives in showrooms.
Borrowing the powertrain from the CLA45 AMG and A45 AMG, the GLA45 is motivated by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder that pumps out 355 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, allowing the all-wheel-drive high-rider to hit a sub-five-second run to 60, according to Mercedes. Channeling power to that all-wheel drive system is a seven-speed, AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission, which should deliver upshifts and downshifts befitting of an AMG-badged product.
The exterior, as we mentioned, is likely to be a bit more tame by the time the GLA45 is officially unveiled as a production car. On the concept, though, the exterior styling matches the car's racing livery. The rear wing and front fascia, in particular, are quite aggressive, and aren't items we're expecting to be carried over, as is, to production.
We hopped over to the Mercedes stand at the LA Auto Show for a closer look at the new GLA45 AMG, and managed to snap a few pics along the way. You can check those out at the top of the page, while additional images and a press release are available by scrolling down.
A look forward to the new SUV from Mercedes-AMG
Concept GLA45 AMG
Affalterbach/Los Angeles – Mercedes-AMG will present its outlook on a compact, high-performance SUV at the 2013 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The Concept GLA45 AMG features an excitingly bold, distinctive design and is powered by the most muscular four-cylinder engine in series production anywhere in the world: its AMG 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an output of 355 hp (265 kW) and maximum torque of 332 lb-ft of torque offers unrivalled performance in conjunction with low fuel consumption.
Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "With the Concept GLA45 AMG, we are setting a stake firmly in the ground of the strongly growing market segment of compact SUVs. Our customers – a young target group who set great store by styling, dynamism and independence – can now start looking forward to a dynamic high-performance car. The most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world and the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system add up to make the Concept GLA45 AMG a unique proposition."
Acceleration from 0-60 mph in less than five seconds demonstrates the performance dynamic that is a hallmark of the brand. Thanks to a combination of the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, the Concept GLA45 AMG impresses with its sporty yet also efficient performance.
Powerful and muscular: breathtaking design
Stunning engineering is combined with breathtaking styling features by Mercedes-AMG: the Concept GLA45 AMG has a powerful and muscular presence on the road. This is due in considerable part to the AMG forged wheels in a cross-spoke design with 255/35 R 21 tires which are painted matte black with a red rim flange, to command attention. They are complemented by the AMG wheel hub covers with center lock-look, plus an AMG high-performance braking system with red brake calipers.
The AMG front apron with its large front splitter in high-gloss black, the black flics (air deflectors) together with the large cooling air intakes, serve to underline the long tradition of motorsport at Mercedes-AMG. The motor racing look is further reinforced by the start number "45" on the doors and the distinctive AMG logo at the upper edge of the windscreen. Further design elements exclusive to AMG include the "twin-blade" radiator grille in silver chrome, side sill panels with high-gloss black inserts, a "TURBO AMG" badge on the front wings, high-gloss black roof rails and the large rear spoiler.
Sporty wraps and red highlights
The sporty silver grey/red foil wrap on the hood, vehicle sides, C-pillar and rear end makes a memorable impression and is complemented by the red highlights on the radiator grille, exterior mirrors, diffuser insert and AMG rear spoiler. The rear view is dominated by the diffuser insert with black trim element and by the two rectangular, high-gloss black tailpipe trims of the AMG sports exhaust system which features and an electronically controlled variable vane system to modulate the AMG signature exhaust note.
By Brandon Turkus